Qld govt outlines IT outsourcing plan

The Queensland government is continuing its push to outsource IT services through the announcement of a new action plan.

The move is likely to benefit small to medium IT business, who will increase their chances at gaining lucrative government contracts.

But it renews concerns about more job cuts, with unions previously warning up to 2000 government IT jobs could be axed.

The ICT Action Plan for 2013-17, released on Thursday, says government IT services would be "contestable" as a default approach.

"Queensland government will increasingly become a purchaser of ICT services from private providers, and will safely but aggressively reduce its ownership and management of ICT assets and non-critical soft ware applications," it reads.

But IT Minister Ian Walker has previously reaffirmed while public sector jobs would likely go, the net number of jobs would not.

It would mean current public servants could end up doing the same work, but instead be employed by a private company contracted to government.

Related Articles

At least one small to medium enterprise will automatically be shortlisted for contracts as well, as long as they are suitable.

Major contracts will also be broken down, allowing them to bid for specific sections.

The plan outlines almost 80 measures the government says will transform Information and Communication Technology delivery.

IT Minister Ian Walker says one of the key changes is the new online ICT Dashboard.

It will list the names of ICT initiatives, their investment objectives, time frames and costs.

Mr Walker says the site will offer more accountability and prevent a repeat of Queensland Health's $1.2 billion payroll bungle.

"It drills down to the particulars, and clearly defines initiatives and their issues, and the actions needed to resolve those issues - giving clear timelines and identifying owners for each action," he said in a statement.